Design influenced by research and lived experiences - Donna Dinsdale
Donna Dinsdale is an educator and fashion design practitioner. Her visual practice references sculptural drape in the form of three-dimensional one-off, custom pieces and is positioned within the framework of a reflective bi-cultural perspective within personal lived experience. This provides access to a method of research investigation, experimentation and the augmentation of textiles into meaningful, culturally embedded artefacts.
Qualifications include a Bachelor of Design (Fashion) from Otago Polytechnic, Masters in Art and Design through Auckland University of Technology receiving first class honours and a Diploma in Raranga (Māori Weaving) through Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.
She has won several national awards including Westfield Style Pasifika, Hokonui Fashion Design Awards, Molly Morpeth Canaday Award, Taranaki National Art Awards and has been a finalist in WOW, World of Wearable Art Awards several times.
Recent outputs:
Dinsdale, D M. (2025). Te Ara Wāhi – The path through place (Re purposed woollen blankets, plastic gems, embroidery, cotton fabric). [Artefact/Object/Craftwork]. Finalist - National Contemporary Art Awards. 1 Grantham Street, Kirikiriroa, Hamilton. 31st July to 16th November: Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum.
Dinsdale, D M. (2024). Pakanga - the heat of battle. [re-purposed woollen blankets, embroidery, wool]. Taranaki National Art Awards. Sinclair Events Centre, Opunake, Taranaki, New Zealand.
Dinsdale, D.M. (2024). 1838. [Re-purposed painting drop sheet, harakeke, vintage New Zealand woollen blankets, perspex, 1800mm x 1000mm]. Molly Morpeth Canaday Award 2024. Te Kōputu a te whanga a Toi - Whakatāne Library and Exhibition Centre, Whakatāne, New Zealand.
Dinsdale, D M. (2024). Te Arawa ki Tai Kapa Haka Costumes. [Textiles, trims, knitted panels]. KAPA HAKA REGIONALS 2024 Te Matatini Cultural Festival. Rotorua Events Centre, Queens Drive, Government Gardens. 8th and 9th March, Rotorua.
Dinsdale, D M. (2024). From boys to men. [Re-purposed military jacket, vintage woollen scout blanket, tulle, embroidery, wool]. SUSS 2. Te Ara O Mauao Gallery, Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology, Tauranga, New Zealand.
Dinsdale, D.M. (2024). Marry me. [Textiles, beading, lace]. Te Ara O Mauao Gallery, Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology, Tauranga, New Zealand.
Dinsdale, D.M. (2024). King eggs. [Re-purposed woollen blankets, embroidery, plastic gems]. Suss 3: Reimaging gendered social constructs. ITP Research Symposium, Auckland, New Zealand.
Dinsdale, D.M. (2024, September 19). Legacy of bridal fashion: a bi-cultural exploration through wedding gowns [Symposium presentation]. Te Manawa Reka Curiosity Research Symposium, Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology, Rotorua, New Zealand.
Dinsdale, D M. (2023). Fashion design process. Scope: Art & design 25, Fashion 66-69.
Dinsdale, D.M. (2023). He korowai mahana: to be cloaked in the comfort of whakapapa. [Exhibition]. He korowai mahana: to be cloaked in the comfort of whakapapa. Out of the Blue Studio Gallery, Opunake, New Zealand.